The villages of Castleton and Hope are an excellent base for exploring the Peak District National Park as they are positioned between the gritstone Dark Peak to the north and the gentler limestone White Peak to the south. As such, there’s a wide choice of walks directly from the villages. The gem would undoubtedly be …
Best Walks from Castleton and Hope in the Peak District Read More »
Just west of Pillar summit, Caw Fell, Haycock, Scoat Fell and Steeple sit in a secluded corner of the Lake District. Ennerdale in Lake District’s Western Fells, with crystal clear waters and dense conifers, has almost an alpine appearance. This route showcases Ennerdale at its best, following shoreline paths, climbing between the trees and reaching …
Walk up Caw Fell, Haycock, Scoat Fell and Steeple from Ennerdale Read More »
The Lake District’s North Western Fells of Low Fell and Fellbarrow are often mistakenly dismissed; there are higher and more dramatic fells close by, but these lesser known Wainwrights offer some of the best views in the Lake District. Starting in Thackthwaite, a tiny village in the northern Lakes, the route follows an easy footpath …
Ted and Awen (his human friend) have been busy over the late Spring early Summer and bring us their Ruffwear Web Master Harness Review The Ruffwear Web Master harness is a secure and durable harness, with a tough handle on the back it’s perfect for guiding your four legged friend on mountain or country walks. …
Despite being one of the lowest in the Lake District, this little fell offers stunning, panoramic views of Derwent Water, Keswick and the northern fells. After leaving Keswick town centre, the route up Latrigg follows a well-defined path to steadily climb to the summit. At the moment, this is a linear walk as paths through …
The deep green moorland between Haystacks and Fleetwith Pike isn’t like anything else found in the Lake District. The jagged exposed rocks, isolated tarns, hidden hollows and high mountains looming in the distance means that you can easily forget that you are actually walking at almost 600 metres. The views from Haystacks and Fleetwith Pike …
Walk up Haystacks and Fleetwith Pike from Buttermere Read More »
Dave Roberts reviews the Karraig Boots by Keen. The Men’s Karraig Boot by Keen are a sturdy bit of kit designed for backpacking and mountain walking: For adventures deep in the backcountry, dependable comfort is key. This waterproof backpacking boot features board-lasted construction for added stability plus a heel brake for extra support on the …
The highest point in North Yorkshire (or the West Riding if you’re still old school), Whernside is a worthy objective for any outing. It’s one of the trio of hills that make up the Yorkshire Three Peaks, though it is perhaps the only one which attracts the least amount of walkers. It lacks a certain …
There are a few Mosedales in the Lake District and this one is the daddy of them all. By Lakeland, the Mosedale hidden beyond Wastwater is wild and remote. The only vehicular access to the valley is via Wasdale Head which can be a challenge in itself, especially if you’re not a fan of winding …
While it may not be the tallest mountain in the Yorkshire Dales, Pen-y-ghent outshines nearly all of them thanks it is imposing profile and enigmatic name. It’s a popular peak for a few reasons. It’s close to the village of Horton in Ribblesdale and a climb to the summit is short but not lacking in …
Looming above Loweswater, Mellbreak is a fairly isolated fell, offering stunning views over Crummock Water and Buttermere. After a short, steep climb up the north west slope of Mellbreak, the path crosses moorland before following Scale Beck down to the edge of Crummock Water. The final stretch of the route runs alongside the lake to …
One of the most essential items in the walker’s pack is a decent map. With so many different types, which ones should you buy? Here’s a brief run-down of the maps available for outdoor activities in the UK by the Ordnance Survey, Harvey Maps. and others We reviewed the waterproof or laminated versions where possible in …
Navigation Skills 3 – What’s the best map for walking? Read More »
Part of an award winning series of packs, Rik Henderson brings us his Lowe Alpine Altus 52-57 pack review Lowe Alpine sent us their latest backpack, the Altus 52-57, an award-winning four-season pack that that claims to service several outdoor activities including mountaineering, ski touring and overnight trips. We tested it over the Easter bank …
As Lakeland walks go, the Coledale Round is a biggie – a long walk over the high fells surrounding the glacial valley of Coledale, situated right at the heart of the north western fells. If it’s Wainwrights you are after then this is the walk for you. It’s considered a classic for a reason. There …
Ingleborough is perhaps the most famed peak in the Yorkshire Dales thanks to its imposing profile, especially its north face. Its striking appearance is thanks to its unique geology; three distinct geological tiers give the fell a ‘layered’ appearance. This profile is perhaps the reason that the fell was once erroneously thought to the countries …
Helvellyn is one of the most popular walks in the Lake District and was voted the nation’s favourite walk in 2018. Helvellyn is often ascended from the more rugged eastern side of Patterdale and Glenridding which sports the famous ridges of Striding Edge and Swirral Edge, the more sedate western approaches still offers good walking. …
Walk up Helvellyn from Thirlmere – Swirls Car Park Read More »
Adding to their hugely popular Hike range of socks, SS19 will see the introduction of new styles, giving Bridgedale a complete and comprehensive range of wool, non-wool and waterproof socks. So we got local expert Rik Henderson to brings us his first impressions of their Hike Ultra Light T2 sock . . . Bridgedale Hike …
The Long Mynd is a heath and moorland plateau that sits on the Western flank of Church Stretton in the Shropshire Hills area of outstanding natural beauty (AONB). The Long Mynd is a popular area for walkers and cyclists and boasts stunning views of Caer Caradoc and its satellite peaks to the East, and the …
The Shropshire Hills sit in a designated area of outstanding natural beauty (AONB). There are 50 tops that sit in a beautiful landscape of rolling hills, river valleys, farmland and quaint villages. Bagging all 50 is a wonderful way to explore the Shropshire area, a county rich in history and medieval tales. This route takes …
Bleak by name, bleak by nature. Bleaklow is famed for its extensive, wild moorland and is home to two of the three highest points in the Peak District.. Despite its reputation as an endless, featureless mass of peat bogs, Bleaklow is quite magnificent and much quieter than the honeypots of Mam Tor and Kinder Scout. …
Bleaklow Head Circuit from Old Glossop via Doctor’s Gate Read More »
Montane release a new range focused on ‘fastpacking’ for spring / summer 2019, and so local expert Rik Henderson brings us his review of their Trailblazer 30 Rucksack. Montane Trailblazer 30 Rucksack Review It’s no secret that I am a big fan of the Montane brand. A UK designed outfit who are at the forefront …
If you’re new to the world of hill walking, you may have come across the term ‘the Wainwrights’ and wondered exactly what they are. They are a collection of fells or mountains in the Lake District that were included in a series of guidebooks written by accountant-cum cartographer and author Alfred Wainwright. There are 214 …
The Wainwrights – a Brief Mud and Routes Introduction Read More »
Ted and Awen (his human friend) have both been enjoying their winter walks of late, and bring us their Ruffwear Vert dog jacket Review. The Vert is a waterproof and breathable jacket with a fleece lining and a nylon shell fabric designed to keep your furry friend warm and dry on walks. The Vert slides …
Helvellyn is one of the most popular mountains in the Lake District – partly due to the superb Striding Edge ridge which is a Lake District classic. That said, Striding Edge is an exposed Grade 1 scramble and may not be everyone’s cup of tea. Fear not, there are numerous other ways to the top …
